Okafor and Noel Have The Potential To Dominate On Both Ends Of The Floor

We’ve been closely watching Jahlil Okafor in these summer league games, but we haven’t been the only ones checking him out.  Sixers second-year power forward Nerlens Noel has been observing his new teammate and he’s been impressed.

“I think we can do a lot of great things on the court, especially with [Okafor’s] versatility,” said Noel to Philly.com’s Keith Pompey. “He can step out. His passing vision is definitely something that’s going to be big-time for us.”

Okafor has shown the ability to create from the low-post as well as turning to face the basket and he can make things happen.  He’s a guy who can flourish with the ball in his hands.  Noel doesn’t need the ball in his hands to contribute to his team.  He is the guy, who can do the dirty work offensively like getting loose balls and crashing the offensive glass.  He’s a great finisher, so I could see Okafor feeding the ball to Noel for short jumpers, and alley-oops.  I expect Noel to benefit greatly on the offensive glass from all the attention Okafor is going to draw.

“I think we can work well together,” Okafor said according to Pompey. “We are excited about it. [General manager Sam] Hinkie is excited. We all believe we can work well together. [Noel] is a great player, so it won’t be hard playing with him.”

I’m just as excited about what these two can do together on the defensive side of the floor.  Noel is the shot-blocker, who will intimidate and force shooters to alter their shots.  He will be able to contest everything near the basket.  Every time opponents think of shooting they’ll be looking over their shoulder for the 6’11” 228 athletic marvel to knock their shot attempt into the cheap seats.

Okafor has shown the ability to move his feet, block shots and get his hands on passes and shots with his long arms, plus he does a good job of anticipating passes and working together in team defense.  In addition to that, Okafor knows how to push people around and get in rebounding position with his big body.   The former Duke star can clean the defensive boards with his long arms and big hands, which will allow Noel to use his speed to run the floor and finish at the rim.

I could see this Sixers pair eliminating any easy baskets for the opposition in the second half of a crucial playoff game.  I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but it’s fun.  Ha! Ha!

The exciting thing about the Sixers situation is the age and attitude of these talented youngsters.  Okafor is 19 and Noel is 21, plus they’re both coachable and likely to have plenty of chances to win together in the years to come.

Of course, both Okafor and Noel are saddened by the foot problems which have plagued their teammate Joel Embiid.  They’ve each known for the past couple of weeks that Embiid was headed for another surgery and another year out of action.

“I know he’s definitely disappointed,” said Okafor according to Pompey. “So I just want to be here for him. And I want to try to play for him as well.”

“Joel’s situation is obviously a frustrating one, especially with how good he’s looked this summer in the gym”, Noel said. “But I’m confident he’ll have the best year of his life to get back stronger.”

When Okafor was asked if the absence of Embiid would change his goals going into his rookie season.

“It doesn’t,” Okafor said according to Pompey. “My role is to dominate. I’m one of the centerpieces of this team. So my role is the same.”

Embiid will be forced to sit on the sideline this year and dream about how he could add even more to this young lethal duo.